Question

What should a primary care provider do for presumed central retinal artery occlusion?

Answer 1

A primary care provider should take immediate action to manage a presumed central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) as it is a serious medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

A primary care provider should take immediate action to manage a presumed central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) as it is a serious medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss. The primary goal is to restore blood flow to the retina as quickly as possible. There are several interventions that a primary care provider may perform:

1. Immediate referral to an ophthalmologist: A specialist can perform procedures to attempt to restore blood flow, such as ocular massage or intra-arterial thrombolysis.
2. Intraocular pressure reduction: The provider may administer medications or perform procedures to lower the pressure inside the eye, which can help improve blood flow.
3. Assessment and management of underlying conditions: The provider should evaluate the patient for any underlying diseases or conditions that may have contributed to the CRAO, such as hypertension or diabetes, and initiate appropriate management.